Shimanto Wild Ayu Confit
Bringing the Blessings of the Crystal-Clear River to the World: Enjoying Wild Ayu Year-Round with French Culinary Techniques
The Shimanto River, flowing through Kochi Prefecture, is celebrated as "Japan’s last crystal-clear river." The wild ayu (sweetfish) raised in these pristine waters are a true symbol of Shimanto, known for their pure, unblemished flavor. Deeply proud of this local treasure and driven by a desire to preserve its value for future generations, the roadside station Michi-no-Eki Yotte Nishitosa in Nishitosa, Shimanto City, embarked on a new challenge. Their goal was to create a new signature delicacy that allows people across Japan—and around the world—to enjoy Shimanto’s wild ayu all year round, well beyond its peak summer season.
Resonating with this vision,&CROSS TOKYO joined the project. Their involvement deepened through firsthand visits to Shimanto, meaningful interactions with locals, and collaborative restaurant events. By leveraging the expertise of a chef trained in France, they brought a Western culinary approach to this traditional Japanese ingredient, unlocking a completely unprecedented charm.
The result of this collaboration is the "Shimanto Wild Ayu Confit". Confit is a traditional French cooking technique where ingredients are gently poached in oil at low temperatures, locking in flavor while creating an incredibly moist texture. Applying this method to the wild ayu elevated the fish to a new depth of flavor without losing its delicate, natural essence.
Using selected herbs, salt, and olive oil, the ayu is meticulously cooked over a long period. The moment you taste it, a gentle aroma spreads through your senses, accompanied by a surprisingly tender texture. A major highlight of this dish is that it is cooked until the bones are completely soft, allowing you to enjoy the entire fish. Furthermore, by cooling the fish directly in the oil after cooking, it is protected from air exposure, which naturally enhances its shelf life. This clever preservation method seals in the peak-season freshness of Shimanto, making it available to enjoy in any season.
Every single ingredient is sourced with a steadfast commitment to Shimanto, and the artisans who craft it are local residents who take immense pride in their ayu. This dish is a true culmination of Shimanto’s nature, culture, and the passion of its people. The "Shimanto Wild Ayu Confit"—capturing the pure blessings of the river—is available for purchase at "Michi-no-Eki Yotte Nishitosa" and its online shop. We invite you to experience this innovative expression of wild ayu while envisioning the beautiful landscapes of the Shimanto River.
